run someone close
run (someone or something) close
To nearly match or surpass someone or something in one's performance, skill, or ability. While he is still the undisputed master of filmmaking in my opinion, there are a few directors who run him close. She finished first to retain her championship title, but the favored newcomer ran her very close—just half a second behind her.
See also: close, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
run someone close
1 almost defeat a person or team in a contest. 2 almost match the same standards or level of achievement as someone else.See also: close, run, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- run (someone or something) close
- run somebody/something close
- prime
- cut (one) down in (one's) prime
- cut (one) off in (one's) prime
- cut someone off in their prime
- fall short of the record
- exceed
- exceed (someone or something) by (something)
- exceed by